Wednesday, January 19, 2011

First Lady Michelle Obama visited Howard University this morning while President Obama had a series of talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao. While there she encouraged the students to study abroad in China and learn new cultures and languages. She also announced a new program, “100,000 Strong Initiative,” which will aid Americans who would like the opportunity study in China.

While President Obama met with Chinese leader Hu Jintao at the White House, first lady Michelle Obama used Hu's visit to encourage students to become part of the global community at a Howard University forum on studying abroad on Wednesday. Recalling her own college years where she said her focus was on "getting in, getting through, and getting out," rather than studying abroad, Obama urged students to get out of their comfort zones and help to "develop that habit of cooperation."

"Studying in countries like China isn't only about your prospects in the global marketplace. It's not just about whether you can compete with your peers in other countries to make America stronger," Obama said. "It's also about whether you can come together and work together with them to make our world stronger. Its about the friendships you make, the bonds of trust you establish and the image of America that you project to the rest of the world."